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ujcbee's Popular Plays 



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1 he Arrival 

or ReuDen 



BY 
WILLIS N. BUGBEE 



Price 35 Cents 



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The Willis N. Bugbee Co. 

SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



THE BUGBE^ ENTERTAINMENTS 

ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE 

Peggy of Primrose Farm. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. 
Bugbee. A delightful rural play that fits any occasion. 6m., 
6f. Time 1% hours. 35 cents. 

Arrival of Reuben, The. College comedy in 1 act by Willis 
N. Bugbee. The theft of a suit of clothes causes a great com- 
motion. 5m., 5f. Time 1 hour. 35 cents. 

Priscilla's Room. Farce in 1 act by Louise L. Wilson 
Priscilla gains possession of the room by a clever ruse. Full 
of action. 4m., 2f. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. 

Sampson's Courtin'. Sketch in 1 act by O. E. Young. 
Sampson goes courtin' but believe us it is a strenuous affair. 
Two men (one impersonating a woman). Time, 30 minutes. 
25 cents. 

Tom Thumb Circus. A dandy little entertainment for the 
very little people. Introduces the principal features of a 
circus. Any number of characters. 25 cents. 

The Deacon's Honeymoon. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. 
Bugbee. Full of fun and a bit of mystery. Not sentimental. 
6m., 5 f. Time 1% hrs. 35 cents. 

Daddy and the Co-Eds. College comedy in 2 acts by Willis 
N. Bugbee. "Daddy" visits college and has a good time. 6m., 
6f. Time IH hrs. 35 cents. 

Happyvllle School Picnic. A one-act play for intermediate 
and ungraded schools. One of our best. 7 boys, 9 girls. 
Time 40 min. or longer. 35 cents. 

Some Class. Commencement Play in 4 acts by Edith F. 
A. U. Painton, 6m., 9f. Claimed to be the best commencement 
play on the market. Full of good healthy humor. Time 1 
hour 40 min. 35 cents. 

Aunt Sophronia at College. College comedy in 3 acts by 
Willis N. Bugbee. One of the best short plays we have ever 
offered. Full of fun from start to finish. 5m., 7f. Time, I14 
hours. 35 cents. 

. Billy's Aunt Jane. Comedy in 3 acts by Willis N. Bugbee. 
For school or community. Good darkey character. 8m., 7f. 
Time li/o to 2 hours. 35 cents. 

Patriotism at Boggsville. Play for grammar grades. 8m., 
5f. Good for indoors or out. A very up-to-date play. Time, 
30 minutes. 25 cents. 

Hiram and the Peddlers. A farce in 1 act. The climax 
is a great surprise. 5m., 2f. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. 

Graduation at Gayville. A play for grammar grades. 6m., 
6f. Includes a mock commencement, class poem, etc. Time, 
30 minutes. 25 cents. 

THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO., SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



Bugbee's Popular Plays 



Xhe Arrival 

of Reuben 



BY 

Willis N. Bugtee 

Author of "Billy's Aunt Jane," "The Deacon's Honeymoon," "Aunt 

Sophronia at College," "Daddy and the Co-Eds," "Peggy of 

Primrose Farm," "Coonville 'Ristocrat Club," etc., etc. 



Copyright 1921, by Willis N. Bugbee. 



THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. 

SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



The Arrival of Reuben 



CHARACTERS 



Tom Curtis A Base Ball Hero 

Hai, Burton ) . 

Jerry Shaw \ • ^^"^^ <^^"^^"^ 

Reuben DooIvItti^e Tom's Country Cousin 

Professor Noti^ey President of Blossmere College 

Ai^iCE Hai,i, 
Marjorie Hooper 
Policy Hinton 
Dora Acton 

Maggie Fi,ynn A Janitress 

Place : — Blossmere College 

Time: — A few weeks before commencement. 

Time of Playing. About one hour. 



Senior Co-Eds at Blossmere 



COSTUMES 



Professor Notley wears dark suit, frock coat, standing collar. 

Reuben wears coarse ill-fitting suit. Hal is without coat or vest. 

Maggie wears work dress and apron and has sleeves rolled to elbows. 

Polly and Dora wear men's coats and hats and domino masks 
at first. Others wear ordinary school clothes. 

®^^'D 59001 TMPS2-00872C 



The Arrival of Reuben 



Scene: Reception or study room at Blossmere College. 

Hat, is discovered at zvork at desk in shirt sleeves. Maggie is 
heard singing outside. 

Maggie (putting head in at door). Bliss me soul! I niver 
knew onywan was here at all, at all. An' here yez be peggin' away 
for dear loife wid your coat an' your collar off jist loike a politician 
writin' his campaign spache. 

HaIv. Just how and why do I resemble a politician? Explain 
yourself. 

Maggie. Faix, I dunno jist how or why, but yez do. Didn't I 
work for Paddy Donovan wanst jist afore election whin he was 
runnin' for aldermon iv the ward, an' m.ony's the toime I've seen 
him writin' his spaches an' the sweat runnin' off his brow loike the 
wather off'n a tin roof. 

Hal. Well, I'm not writing a political speech. It's worse than 
that. 

Maggie. Begorra it must be some spache, thin. 

Hai,. It is. It's a valedictory for our commencement exercises. 
Tom's going to give the salutatory and I'm to give the valedictory. 

Maggie. Wull, I'm mighty glad it ain't miesilf. You're welcome 
to the job. I've got all I can do a scrubbin' the floors an' sich loike. 

(She goes out and is heard singing. Hal continues to write.) 
(Enter Jerry.) 

Jfrry. Hello, old man ! Hard at work again ? 

Hal. Got to — a case of necessity. 

Jerry. I should think you'd be so elated over the victory that 
any thought of w^ork would be impossible. 

Hal. Gee! It was some victory — a grand and glorious victory. 

Jerry. Grand and glorious is right. It was the greatest victory 
this college has won in four years to my knowledge. 

Hal. Four years? It was the greatest victory of all time. 
Nobody ever dreamed that Blossmere stood a ghost of a chance 
against the Buxton nine. 

Jerry. We wouldn't have done so anyway but for Tom Curtis. 
It was a lucky move when they put him in the pitcher's box. He's 
the swiftest pitcher ontside the league. 

Hal. That's no lie— I agree with you. He's right on the job 
in whatever he undertakes— studies, sports, dramatics or what not. 



4 THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 

Jerry. Because he puts every bit of his energy into action just 
at the right time. That's what counts. 

Hal. Wonder where Tom is. I haven't seen him since the 
game. 

Jerry. Neither have I. Last I saw of him he was surrounded 
by a bevy of girls acclaiming him as a hero and 

Hai,. Were they trying to kiss the hero? 

Jerry. Not on your life. Tom wouldn't stand for that. 

Hal. Here he comes now. 

(Enter Tom, zvearing base hall suit. Others start the song, 
"Hail the Conquering Hero Comes") 

Tom. Oh, cut out the rubbish. I'm sick of it. 

Jerry. Then accept our congratulations as the hero of the game. 

Tom. Fiddlesticks ! I had no more to do with winning the 
game than the rest of you. I simply did my part. I'm disgusted 
with it. 

Hal. Then accept our sympathies — accept something. (To 
Jerry). Did you notice he hasn't had time to change his clothes 
yet? 

Tom. Good reason. I haven't anything to change. I really 
need your sympathies. 

Jerry. Oh come now ! What are you trying to put over on us ? 

Hal. We know you've got two suits. 

Tom. You know I did have two suits. Fact is, I sent my old 
suit to the tailors this afternoon to be patched and cleaned, and the 
other one — I wish you'd tell me where it is. 

Boys. Why— how's that? 

Tom. Well, you see when I went to the game I left my best 
suit in my locker, and when I came back it was gone. 

Boys. Gone ? 

Tom. Yes gone; and I've been looking for it ever since. But 
that wasn't the worst of it. Every cent of money I had to finish 
the term was in a wallet in the pants pocket. 

Boys. Great Scott ! 

Tom. That's what I say— great Scott and Shakespeare and all 
the other poets. 

Hal. What's going to be done about it? 

Tom. Ask some one wiser than I. If I don't find that wallet 
I'll have to get a job and go to work, I know that. 

Jerry. Gee! That would be tough. 

Hal. I should say as much. 

Tom. I've squeezed every cent I can out of father. I've drained 
him dry. 



THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 5 

Jerry. Well, don't start to look up a job right away. Let's see 
what we can do toward finding the aforesaid articles. 

Tom. If you can do any more'n I've done, go to it. 

Hal. But if we all set out in a systematic manner we may 
accomplish something. We'll enlist the aid of Maggie and Prof. 
and the girls and 

{Enter Alice and Marjorie.) 

Alice. Were you talking about us ? 

Hal. We were talking about organizing a committee — a vigil- 
ance committee I s'pose you'd call it. 

Marjorie. A vigilance committee? For what? 

Hal. Well, you see it's like this — Tom's just lost his pants 

(Girls turn and titter.) 

Tom. I lost the whole suit. 

Jerry. Listen ! Here's the whole story so far. When Tom 
went to play ball this afternoon he left his best suit of clothes in 
the locker and when he came to look for them — presto change ! 

Girls. What — stolen ? 

Jerry. Apparently so, likewise all his money. 

Marjorie. Mercy sakes ! 

Alice. Isn't it awful to think of robbers in the school. Whom 
do you think 

Hal. Don't know. That's what we want to find out. 

Alice. Let's do something now — right away — before the robber 
has a chance to escape. 

Tom. I've looked all over for the clothes and the robber, too. 
Most likely he's made his getaway by this time. 

Marjorie. I'm going to ask Maggie if she's seen anybody 
snooping around — any stranger. {Goes to door and calls, "Maggie!") 

Alice. While you're interviewing Maggie, I'll go and tell Prof. 
{Enter Maggie.) 

Maggie. Yis mum, here I be. Phwat would yez be wantin'? 

Marjorie. Oh, Maggie, there's been a robber here — just think 
of it ! And he's stolen a suit of clothes and a lot of money. How 
much, Tom ? 

Tom. About two hundred dollars. 

Maggie. Bliss me soul an' body! I'm jist scart to death of 
robbers. 

Marjorie. Have you seen any stranger around here this after- 
noon — any suspicious character? 

Maggie. Faix an' niver a wan have I seen, bad cess to 'im. 

Tom. Were you in the building all the afternoon? 



6 THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 

Maggie. Shnre I was in the building all the toime excipt the 
toime I was out. I wint down shtrate to see me cousin, Bridget 
O'Phalen, but I wasn't gone long— not more than an hour, anyway. 

Hal. He could clean out a bank in that time. 

Marjorie. Well, if you do see any suspicious looking person 
or anyone you think might be guilty of such a thing be sure to let 
us know at once. 

Maggie. Shure an' I will. I'll run as fasht as me two legs will 
carry me. Och worry, worry ! Did yez iver hear the loike. (Hurries 
off.) 

Tom. Gee, but I'm tired ! I've got to sit down for a while. 

Jerry. That's right. Sit down, old chap, and rest. 

Marjorie. Here's Professor coming. Maybe he'll have some sug- 
gestions. 

Hal. While you're talking it over with Professor, I'll go and 
see what I can do. 

Marjorie. So will I. {Exeunt.) 

{Enter Professor Notley.) 

Prof. Well, well, boys! What seems to be the difficulty here? 

Jerry. A robbery has been committed, Professor. 

Prof. So Alice was telling me, but she was so excited I didn't 
quite comprehend it all. Won't you please give me the details in 
full. 

Jerry. Go ahead, Tom. 

Prof. I hear you were the victim, Mr. Curtis. Proceed with 
the story. 

Tom. I certainly was the victim all right. In the first place I 
shall have to confess that I was the possessor of only two suits of 
clothes. One of those was much the worse for wear, so this morning 
I sent it to the tailors to be repaired and pressed. Just before the 
game this afternoon I put on this ball suit and placed my best suit 
in my locker with a purse containing two hundred dollars in the 
trousers pocket. Then I locked the door, or suppose I did, and put 
the key in the pocket of these clothes. I have it here now. After 
the game I went back to get them and imagine my surprise to find 
the locker open and everything gone slick and clean, money and all. 

Prof. Um — ah — that's strange — very strange indeed. In broad 
day-light too. 

Tom. This afternoon during the ball game. 

Prof. Um — yes ! Have you any idea who might have been the 
perpetrator ? 

Tom. Not the slightest. 

Prof. I — I really hope it was no one in the school. 



THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 7 

Jerry. Gee ! I don't know of anybody in the college who would 
do such a thing. They wouldn't dare to be seen wearing the clothes. 

Prof. No, I don't think it could be one of our students— I don't 
think it possible. 

Tom. What would you suggest, Professor? What ought we to 
do? I've got to get that money back or quit school, that's certain. 

Prof. Why my dear young man, we can't think of such a thing 
as that. 

Tom. Yes, but what are you going to do when you haven't a 
cent to your name and no prospects of any? My father has given 
me every bit he can afford. 

Jerry. Hard lines, I say. 

Prof. Really, that's too bad — too bad, but I — really I haven't had 
time to formulate any plan of procedure j^et. I'll have to think it 
over. 

Tom. But while you're thinking it over, Professor, the thief is 
getting farther and farther away. 

Prof. Quite true, quite true. I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps 
the best thing to do would be to confer with the police department. 

Jerry. Why hadn't we thought of that before, Tom? 

Tom. I had thought of it but the police in this town are so 
blamed slow that a thief could get to Timbuktu and back before 
they'd wake up. 

Prof. Oh no, no, not quite so bad as that, my boy. But I'll 
see what I can do about it. I'll impress upon their minds the urgency 
of the case. Keep up courage — everything may turn out right yet. 
(Exit.) 

Tom. Gee whiz ! I'd have to have a ton of courage if it all 
depended on Prof. He's as bad as the police. 

(Enter Auce with letter.) 

Alice. Here's a letter for you, Tom. The mail-man just left 
it. 

Tom. For me? (Takes letter and proceeds to open it.) 

Auce. Yes, and it's a scrawly looking affair. . Maybe the 
robber's got conscience stricken and sent the money back by mail. 
I've heard of such things. 

Jerry. But where are the clothes? 

Tom. Oh heavens ! Have pity. Here's the finishing touch to all 
my misfortune. 

Alice. What's happened now? 

Tom. It's from my cousin Reuben Doolittle of Hardscrabble 
Center, and he's coming to visit me. (groans.) 

Jerry, (singing). "Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking" 



8 THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 

Alice. Why, is he so terrible, Tom? 

Tom. Not terrible, but he's a typical product of the country — 
of the way-back country — an unsophistocated youth. 

Alice. Glory be! What kind of a youth is that? 

Tom. I can't explain it. You can tell better when you see him. 

Jerry. I should think there might be worse things than a visit 
from your cousin. 

Tom. But will you kindl)'- tell me how I am to entertain company 
in my present predicament? I won't be able to feed myself, let 
alone visitors. 

Jerry. Call on your friends — or perhaps your cousin may be 
able to provide for his own needs. 

Tom. Not unless there has been a change in the last year or 
two. 

Jerry. Then write and head him off — tell him we've all got the 
smallpox. 

Tom. Too late. He was intending to start the next day after 
this letter was written. He's on his way now, 

Jerry. Tough luck I'll say, old man. 

Alice. Well, don't let's borrow trouble. Let's meet and cope 
with affairs as they come to us. The present difficulty, it seems to 
me, is how to recover that suit of clothes and the two hundred 
dollars. 

Jerry. That's the idea exactly. 

Maggie (outside). Go on wid yez now. I won't shtand for no 
blarney. 

(Enter Polly and Dora in make up. Maggie follozvs zvith mop 
stick in hand.) 

Maggie. Wull, here they be! Here's the robbers. 

Boys. Great Scott ! 

Alice. My goodness ! 

Tom, Jerry and Alice. What does it all mean? 

Maggie. It means that I caught 'em red-handed wid the goods. 
Can yez identify your coat, Mr. Tom? 

Tom. I sure can. Neither one of them belongs to me. 

Maggie. Nayther wan? Wull, thin mebbe they've hid 'em. 
Shure an' I do be thinkin' they're the culprits phwat did the shwipin'. 

(The girls remove masks and laugh heartily.) 

Dora and Polly. Ha! ha! ha! Don't you recognize us? 

All. Polly and Dora ! 

Boys. What's the joke? 

Dora. You tell them, Polly. 



THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 9 

P01.LY. There isn't much to tell. We agreed to help the Happy 
Hour Dramatic Club with a little play they're getting up. We don't 
liave much to say — only appear on the stage once or twice. We're 
villains or robbers. 

Maggie. Jist phwat I told yez. I knew they was robbers. 
AucE. Well, go on. 

Policy. To-night is the dress rehearsal and we had just got 
our costumes on and were going over to show Miss Harlan when 
Maggie pounced down upon us with the mop stick. 
Jerry, Didn't you tell her w^ho you were? 

Maggie. Niver a word did they say an' I thought shure they 
were the ones. 

Polly. We wanted to see what might happen so we just kept 
mum. 

Dora. But say! What's been going on here? Maggie kept 

talking about robbers and a suit of clothes and some money and 

Alice. It all happened while the ball game was going on and 
Tom was winning laurels for himself. 
Polly. Gee ! but it was great ! 
Jerry. You bet ! 
Dora. Well, what happened? 

Jerry. Somebody hooked Tom's clothes and his entire bank 
roll. 

Girls. Mercy sakes ! 

Dora. Who do you suppose 

ToM. Don't know. That's what we're trying to find out. 
Alice. Because if we don't find the money Tom says he's got 
to leave school. 

Tom. That's right. 

Dora. Then we'll find the robber and the booty. 
Polly. And we won't leave a stone unturned until we do. 
Come on. {Pulls Dora.) 
Dora. Where ? 

Polly. Anywhere and everywhere. 

Dora. I just happened to think— I saw Ikey Hammerstein, the 
junk man, on the campus this afternoon. You know his brother 
keeps a second-hand clothing store. 

Polly. Well, that's a clue anyway. Let's follow it up. 
Dora. It won't do any harm, I suppose. 
Jerry. Wait a minute. I'll go with you. 

{Exeunt girls and Jerry.) 
Maggie. I jist think I'll be thryin' to find a clue iv me own. 
{Exit.) 



10 THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 

Tom. Well, if this isn't the blamedest scrape I was ever in. 
Nothing to wear but a base ball suit, not a red cent in my pocket 
to buy my supper with, and company coming beside. Holy mackeral ! 
I'm a fit subject for a charity ball. 

(Enter Hai, excited.) 

Hal. Say! Is there a good place to hide around here? I am 
liable to be run in by the police any minute. 

Tom. Why, what's the latest? 

Hal. Well, you see I've been down on the street watching for 
suspicious characters, then when I saw one I would ask him to 
shov/ m.e his pocket book to see if it might not be yours, and every 
one of them took me for a hold-up man. Two of them held up 
their hands and told me to search them, but the third one broke and 
ran. Said he was going to report me to the police. 

Tom. I don't think you need to worry just yet. 

Hal. I hope not. 

Tom. Wait here a minute, will you old chap? I've got to 
telephone to the station. 

Hal (anxiously). To the police station? 

Tom. No, railway station, to see what time that train from the 
north gets in. 

Hal. Not thinking of leaving so soon? 

Tom. No, but I've got a cousin that has taken it into his head 
to make me a little visit. He'll probably be here today. 

Hal. Rather sudden, isn't it? 

Tom. Just got his letter a few minutes ago. Rotten luck, don't 
you think? 

Hal. That all depends upon the cousin. Go ahead. I'll hold 
the fort till you get back. (Exit Tom.) Gee! His cousin coming 
—just at this time too. (Picks up letter and examines it.) Here's 
a letter now. Wonder if this is from him. It must be. (Reads.) 
"From Reuben Doolittle, Hardscrabble Center (Any State.) Gee! 
I'll bet he's a Rube all righto. 

(Enter Marjorie) 

Marjorie (looking around.) Where's everybody? 

Hal. Search me ! Tom's gone to telephone. Expects his cousin 
here to visit him. 

Marjorie. His cousin? 

Hal. Yep—Reuben Doolittle from Hardscrabble Center. 

Marjorie. Who is he and— how old is he do you suppose? 

Hal. Great guns ! I don't know, neither do I know whether he's 
married or single, fat or lean, or whether he's handsome as a doll 



THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 11 

or homely as a hedge fence. Suppose you girls will all be setting 
your caps for him. 

Marjorie. I think we'll wait until we see him. 

(Enter Tom) 
Tom. Next train comes in about an hour. Hello! What luck, 
Marjorie? 

Marjorie. I've just been over to Cyrus Pettingill's. 
Tom. Who's he? 

Marjorie. Why you must know— he's Anna Rowe's uncle. 
Anna told me yesterday he was going to be a private detective. He's 
taken three lessons already in a correspondence course. 
Hal. Some detective. 
Marjorie. And this is to be his first case. 
Hal. Let's hope it will be a success. 

Marjorie. I was just about to ask about your cousin, Tom, but 
I'm not going to now. I'm going to wait and see for myself. But I 
wish you would tell me where the girls went to. 
Hal. And Jerry. 

Tom. They've gone over to Ikey Hammerstein's brother's 
second-hand store. 

Marjorie. I couldn't imagine where they were going to. I saw 
them all piling into George White's auto a spell ago. 
(Enter Maggie excited.) 
Maggie. Begorra, would yez belave it— the girls an' Mr. Shaw- 
are jist now comin' up the w^alk wid the robber. 
All. With the robber? 

Maggie. Yis sor, wid the robber as shure as me name is Maggie 
O'Flynn. 

Tom. How do you know he's the robber, Maggie? 
Maggie. Be the looks iv him, iv course. He's a bad lookin' 
I'd be afraid iv me loife to mate him in the dark, so I would. 
Marjorie. I do really hope they've caught him at last. 

(Enter Alice, Polly and Dora) 
Girls. We've got him ! We've got him ! 
Polly, Jerry's bringing him in. 

Reuben (outside.) Gol ding it all! I tell ye I hain't no robber! 
(Enter Jerry with Reuben, the latter with an old-fashioned sat- 
chel and a couple of bundles.) 

Jerry. I wouldn't wonder if right here was your robber, lom. 
Tom. Ha! ha! (Seises Reuben by hand as latter drops bag- 
gage.) Well, by George ! Is it you, Reuben? , , ,. 

Reuben. Yep, it's me but I've had an awful time. (Shaking 
hands.) Jest as I was comin' in through that big gate down thar. 



mon. 



12 THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 

these here critters come a runnin' after me an' begun callin' me a 
robber, but gosh all hemlock ! I ain't never robbed nobody yet. 

Tom. Ha ! ha ! Well, never mind, Reuben. You see we've had 
quite a bit of excitement here and we're all of us more or less upset. 
{To others.) By the v;ay, this is my cousin, Reuben Doolittle from 
Hardscrabble Center. And Reuben, these are my classmates and 
friends, 

Reuben. Gosh! Be them your classmates? I'd never thought 
it, by heck ! 

Jerry {to Reuben.) I wish to offer you an apology for my part 
in this little episode, Mr. Doolittle. Here's my hand. (Offers hand.) 

x\ucE. And we girls humbly beg 3^our perdon. It was rather 
an unpleasant welcome to our college, wasn't it? 

Reuben. Ruther ! I dunno whether I'd better accept the apology- 
or not, but I guess I will seein' you're Tom's friends. 

:Maggie (aside.) Begorra, I don't jist loike his looks. I mis- 
thrust him yet, so I do. 

Tom. Well, this is a kind of a surprise. I never expected to 
see you here. 

Reuben. I dunno's I would be if I hadn't been goin' daown to 
New York (any city) for a leetle trip. Thought I'd stop off a few 
days to see how you was gettin' along. 

Tom. To New York? How could you leave the farmwork at 
this time of year? 

Reuben. Oh gosh ! Dad ain't farmin' now. 

Tom. Not farmin'? 

Reuben. Nope, not since he struck ile. 

Tom. Struck oil? What are you driving at? 

Reuben. Hadn't you heerd about Dad findin' ile on the farm 
nigh onto a year ago? 

Tom. No, tell us about it. 

Reuben. Well, you remember that old cow pasture daown next 
to the woods, don't ye? It was so all-fired stony nothin' would grow 
on it. 

Tom. Sure. I remember it. 

Reuben. Well, that's where 'tis. Couple fellers come along last 
year thumpin' on the ground with some leetle hammers an' they told 
Dad they thought there was ile thar so he got another feller to come 
an' drill a hole, an' sure enough there was. Now he's got three wells 
shootin' out ile at the rate of a hundred dollars an hour an' we're 
goin' to have more. 

Tom. Gee whiz ! 

Polly. Sounds like a fairy tale, doesn't it? 



THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 13 

Hal. Some like Baron Munchausen or Arabian Nights. 
Tom. I should say as much. He must be getting rich as a Jew. 
Reuben. Now you've struck it. He's rich as all get out. He's 
got fifteen men a workin' for him, an' he's got a new plug hat an' 
a long-tailed coat an' he's struttin' around thar jist s'if he owned the 
hull durned United States. {He imitates his father. Others laugh 
heartily.) Gee! I most forgot — Dad sent ye a leetle present of fifty 
dollars an' sez if you want any help to pay your expenses jist let 
him know. 

Dora. More wonders. 

Marjorie. This certainly is one grand fairy tale. 

Polly. Isn't it! 

Maggie. Faix, an' I'd be afther sindin' for a foive hundred 
dollar check roight away. 

Alice. Didn't I tell you not to borrow trouble. Things are 
coming your way. 

Jerry. Coming with a bang. 

Tom. Tell your father I thank him from the bottom of my 
heart and I may find it necessary to accept his offer of assistance. 

Reuben. An' say folkses — I jest wanter tell ye I'm out for a 
lark, by cracky, an' if 'tain't agin the rules we can have a bang-up 
good time, I wouldn't mind takin' these here gals an' young fellers 
to a theayter party some night an' havin' a leetle supper afterward. 
What would ye say to it? 

Polly. Bully! 

Marjorie. Grand ! 

Dora. Delightful ! 

Alice. Splendiferous ! 

Hal. You're a brick. Give us your hand. 

Jerry. All those sentiments are mine, too. Give us your other 
hand. {Shaking hands.) 

Tom. You're learning the ways of the world fast, aren't you? 
I'm afraid you're hitting a high pace. 

Reuben. Don't worry about your cousin Rube. He's got the 
goods. But say — I was goin' to give ye that fifty dollars. Now 
where in Sam Hill did I put it. {Looks in satchel.) 

Jerry. Maybe it's in one of those bundles. 

Reuben. I guess like enough 'tis. ( Unties bundle and takes out 
clothes.) Nope, 'tain't in here. This is a suit of clothes I got to go 
to them theayter parties, by jingo. 

Dora. A brand new one ? 

Reuben. Well, purty nigh — got it dirt cheap too, I did. 

Hal. Gee, it looks some like yours, don't it, Tom? 



14 THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 

(Reuben holds up coat.) 

Tom. It is mine. See! There's my fraternity button. (Points 
to same. Exclamations from girls.) 

Alice. Isn't that the limit! The very thing we've been looking 
for. 

Maggie. Didn't I be afther tellin' yez he was the robber. I 
could tell by the looks iv him, 

Reuben. Gosh all Friday ! I dunno what you folks are all talkin' 
about — fust one an' then t'other callin' me a robber, an' I'll be tee- 
totally squelched if I've ever robbed anybody yet. 

Tom. Where did you buy the suit, Reuben? 

Reuben. Right daown thar next to the depot. When I come by 
a feller stood out thar in front an' he sez, "Hey, young feller ! Don't 
ye wan': to buy a suit of clothes cheap?" An' I sez' "How cheap?" 
"Your own price," sez he. Then I happened to think I might need 
another suit gallivantin' round ampng the gals, so I went in an' I'll 
be gol durned if I didn't buy it for six dollars. 

Hal (laughing.) Ha! ha! Sold your clothes for six dollars, 
Tom. 

Jerry. That's some j oke. 

Polly. What kind of a looking man was he, Reuben? 

Reuben. Gosh, I dunno. I couldn't see much of him on account 
of the brush heap on his face. 

Dora. It was Ikey himself. 

Alice. We were just over there, too. 

Polly. No wonder w-e didn't find it. He had already sold it 
to your cousin. 

Hal. Have you looked to see if the money's there ? 

Tom (looking in pocket.) By George! Here it is! He forgot to 
look in the pockets. 

Reuben (handing clothes.) Here! You take 'em. They're 
yours. I don't want to wear no stolen property. I ain't that kind 
of a feller. No-sir-ee. 

Tom. But the six dollars? 

Reuben. Jest forget all about it. Six dollars ain't nothin' to me. 
Dad's got oceans of money. 

(Enter Professor) 

Prof. Well, young people, I have telephoned the police station 
and they have detailed a man on the case. He expects to get started 
very soon. 

Tom. They are too late. Professor. The lost is found. 

Prof. You have already found the clothing? 

Tom. Both the clothes and the money. 



THE ARRIVAL OF REUBEN 15 

Prof. And may T ask where you found them? 

Tom. Certainly. My cousin just bought them for six dollars. 

Prof. Your cousin? 

Tom. Yes, allow me to present to you Mr. Reuben Doolittle of 
Hardscrabble Center, who comes for a little visit. 

Reuben. Glad to see ye. Professor. Shake. {They shake 
hands.) 

Tom. As I was about to say he bought them of Ikey Hammer- 
stein, the junkman. 

Prof. Ah yes — Mr. Hammerstein, you say? We will have the 
matter investigated at once. 

Maggie. Begorra, I always did think that junkman was a crook. 

AucE We certainly have had considerable excitement. 

Reuben. Gosh ! I jest know I'm goin' to have a bully time while 
I'm here. 

Dora. And we're glad you came. Aren't we, folks? 

Others. We sure are. 

Marjorie. Because we came near losing Tom. 

Hai,. And it was Reuben who came to the rescue. 

{Any college song may be used as desired.) 

Curtain I 




THE BUGBEE ENTERTAINMENTS 

ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE 



Coonville 'Ristocrat Club. A darkey play for church or 
school or any occasion. Clean and wholesome. 6m., 6f. Time, 
1 hour. 35 cents. 

Darktown Social Betterment Society. A good wholesome 
darkey play. Very funny. For 9 male characters. Time, 30 
minutes. 25 cents. 

Uncle Eben's Surprise Party. Here is another splendid 
negro play. It certainly is a surprise party. 6m., 6f. Time, 
30 minutes. 25 cents. 

Uncle Si and the Sunbeam Club. A delightful play for 
grammer grades. Opportunity for specialties. 7m., If. Time, 
30 minutes. 30 cents. 

Closing day at Beanville School. The most popular play 
for intermediate grades we have ever offered. 7m., 7f. (more 
or less). Time, 30 minutes or more. 30 cents. 

Seven Little Soldiers and Seven Little Maids. For primary 
or intermeiate grades. A j?plendid patriotic number. Book 
contains also "The Little Patriots' Loyalty Drill." 25 cents. 

Midgets' Grand Parade. ' A delightful pageant for little 
tots. Very easy to produce. Time, 30 minutes. 25 cents. 

Funny Little Food Folks. A novelty entertainment for 
children. This is something different. Time, 30 min. 25 cents. 

Jolly Christmas Book. By Willis N. Bugbee. The latest, 
jolliest and most usable Christmas book on the market. Full 
of good things for a complete Christmas program. 40 cents. 

America's Flag. A beautiful patriotic march and drill 
with tableaux. For 8 or 12 girls. 25 cents. 

Following the Stars and Stripes. A splendid new patriotic 
pageant. This should be on every program. For any number 
of children. Time, 15 to 45 minutes. 25 cents. 

Pretty Pageants for Young Folks. These pageants are not 
only pretty but right up to the minute. Very easy and pleas- 
ing. Good for any tim.e. 30 cents. 

Commencement Helps and Hints. For Eighth Grade 
People. Contains salutatories, valedictories, histories, class 
will, prophecies, banquet, class drill, play, yells, mottoes, 
colors, novel sports, songs, stunts, etc. A valuable book. 35 
cents. 

Commencement Treasury. Brimful of helpful material for 
the high school graduate. Salutatories, valedictories, pro- 
phecies, etc., etc. 50 cents. 

Uncle Peter's Proposal. A farce in 2 acts by W. T. New- 
ton, 3m., 2f. A very clever little play. Time, 30 minutes. 25 
cents. 

THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO., SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

__^^^^^__^^_^^______^_,^_^_,_^______^_____ 016 102 483 1 

THE BUGBEE ENTERTAINMENTS 

ARE FAVORITES EVERYWHERE 



Old Class Reunion. A prophetic class play. The members 
of the old class get together for the first time in 30 years. 
7m., 7f . 30 minutes. 25 cents. 

Mrs. Deacon Spriggs. A two-act play for older women. 
Full of good healthy fun and lively gossip. 12f. 30 minutes. 
25 cents. >__.^>__ 

The Bugbee Song Novelties 

Sally and Si at the Circus. A duet for two country lovers 
who go to the circus and have a gay old time. 35 cents. 

Sewing Ladles Meet, The. The ladies meet to sew but 
you know^ how it is — they do more gosslpping than sewing. 
Very cute. 35 cents. 

Little Washerwomen, The. An action song for little ladies 
at their tubs. A most delightful number. 35 cents. 

Won't You Come and Play With Me. A duet for boy and 
girl, or for two boys and two girls. To be sung with actions. 
35 cents. 

Dearest School of All, The. A pleasing song for a whole 
school or class. Can be used any time, or as farewell song. 
35 cents. 

We're Mighty Glad to See You. Another welcome song 
that will make the audience feel right at home. To be sung 
with action. 35 cents. 

When Santa Had the Rhumatiz. How dreadful it would 
have been if he hadn't got cured in time to make his rounds. 
35 cents. 

There's a Welcome Here for You. A song that olfers a 
genuine welcome to the audience. 35 cents. 

Don't Forget to Come Again. Another delightful good-bye 
song. 35 cents. 

We've Got the Mumps. A novelty costume song for chil- 
dren supposed to be afflicted with the mumps. 35 cents. 

The Old Home Folks. A song for adults, or older boys 
and girls, to be used on any program. 35 cents. 

Our Latch Strings Hangs Outside.. A dandy new welcome 
song that will start your entertainment right. Sheet music. 
35 cents. 

Just Smile and Say Good-Bye. A capital song to send your 
audience home feeling good natured. Bright and catchy. 35 
cents. 

De Coonville Jubilee. The 'Ristocrats of Coonville hold a 
jubilee and "Dey didn't get home till the break ob day." Sheet 
music. 35 cents. 

THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO., SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



